Islander News Articles 1/18

Newsday: Greg Logan's game recap of the Islanders 3-1 loss to the Devils (no quotes at this time) had an earlier article and comments from Wade Dubielewicz, general manager Garth Snow and Columbus gm Scott Howson on the goaltender being claimed by Columbus on waivers here.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Snow knew Columbus was negotiating with the Jackets and there was a chance of this happening. No blame at all on GM Scott Howson, he has every right to improve his club within the rules. Maybe the play should have been for Snow to turn down Dubie wait for another club to sign him and then make the claim but that's easy for me to write.

Newark Star Ledger: Colin Stephenson has the recap of the Devils win.

Newsday: Mr Logan has gm Garth Snow's comments who confirmed the teams Saskatoon camp announcement Monday and three year deal with an option to renew (same as Moncton) as he talked about expanding the Islanders marketing and how he sees the Islander jersey everywhere on the road.

Mr Logan ads the question is whether all those Islanders jerseys could become quaint relics of a bygone era in a few years time as he recapped the Lighthouse.

Newsday: Anthony Rieber stirs the pot with the Kansas City angle getting comments from officials on Tim Leiweke, president and CEO of Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) and the Los Angeles Kings and a member of the NHL's Board of Governors and his efforts to land NHL teams.

Newsday: Mark Herrmann has more hysteria to stir up telling us if Long Island losses the club they will never get another professional sports team but credited Charles Wang and defended him as someone who is passionate about his team. He also credited Saturday's fan turnout.


NYI Fan Central Comments:
Newsday staff has nothing to write about with no Giants, Jets and no baseball for a while and if these folks do not ring up page views the paper will find someone who will.

The Tribune Review and Post-Gazette sports writers in Pittsburgh did not even go anywhere close to where Newsday is already going when the Pens actually did threaten to leave.

You would think Charles Wang issued a public ultimatum or has said he will sell to the first person and let them move from this kind of hype, it's time for Newsday staff to take a big step back.

Don't be fooled for a moment this is about helping a team in a paper that did not even cover it's franchise player at the ASG last year or did all they could to put Al Arbour night and the core of the four in a bad light.

That folks is the record of coverage and has done damage, when the 25th anniversary of the first cup came around and it was not written about, that's Newsday's record.

My advice would be read the quotes from the folks involved in the Lighthouse Project and the team officials, not most of this junk that goes over the top and beyond is simply done to stir everyone up from a lot of staff who are not fans of the team.

You think Mr Herrmann is ever going to go negative on the Knicks or the Rangers the years they were horrible? Doesn't happen.

Unless there are openings at the KC Star for a sports writer or two.

One thing I will write, if something like this ever did come to pass with the Islanders leaving Nassau County is not the only one to blame for losing this team.

Newsday takes a huge share of the hit also with the Times, Post & News. They kicked this franchise every chance they could when they were down and did not hype them for being as great as they were. A lot of teams performed worse at times and did not take this kind of beating.

Anyone think if the media hyped Weight and Guerin and gave them a proper tribute more free agents would want to sign here? Cannot blame the building so easily for that and a lot of other things where the Islanders did their part and the media coverage failed.

Daily News: Peter Botte/Kristie Eckert combined game coverage.

NY Post: Dan Martin's game coverage.

NY Post: Larry Brooks made the case of a New York Islanders vs Ranger outdoor game in 2010 but made it appear as if the Islanders are the only local team struggling for ratings and exposure.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
A few nice words in there from Mr Brooks but ratings do not lie. Ranger hockey is not a national draw on NBC during the season or playoffs and when he talks about the most important American markets, this market is all baseball and football.

That is not changing.

One look at the dwindling space for hockey in his own paper says it all as he had to become a baseball writer the last few years. This is a big sports market, a small hockey market.

The Rangers need an outdoor game just as bad as the Islanders.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio's live blog recaps Bridgeport's 3-1 in Binghampton on Saturday here.

1. BRI MacDonald, (6) (Nikiforov), 2:31
1. BNG Carkner, (3) (Shannon, Zubov), 9:17 (PP)
1. BRI Joensuu, (13) (Walter, Smith), 14:18
3. BRI Smith, (20) (Lessard, Iggulden), 1:33

Nate Lawson had twenty nine saves.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio previews the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins game Sunday at 1pm which is a Bridgeport home game.

Press & Sun-Bulletin: Has the Senators coverage.

New Jersey 3, New York 1

AP Has the recap of the Devils 3-1 win against the Islanders Saturday.


NYI Fan Central Comments:
That was not fun to watch tonight. I can accept the losing but I expect to see this team come out and work hard.

Credit to the Devils for working harder, putting the pressure on the Islanders and forcing mistakes but no excuses for Scott Gordon's team to pull a no-show at home for close to two full periods when they are home waiting for a club that played the night before and traveled.

Third period they started winning some shifts, Comrie did not get a call and they missed the net from outside on a few.

Islanders are in that day off and then play at home stretch, they should have come out with a lot more jump to start this game after what they did against Boston.

Devils seemed to have four skaters around the puck all night until the third period when they put it into cruise a bit.

Clemmensen for his thirty plus shots rarely had a tough save to make, no second shots or rebounds and a few shots wide.

From the Islanders side some individual play mostly from Sim, Jackman and one great chance from Richard Park, but the powerplay has looked completely lost recently and Okposo looks out of place as a left point, having written that it has not been one specific thing causing them to struggle.

They tried to play a little physical and dominated the hits, Jackman is not an enforcer.

Then there was the goaltending that was very good, great or brutal from Yann Danis.

I'm sure the Devils push the play more without those goals and maybe get another if it's a 1-1 game but a fragile team allowing those goals can easily put a game out of reach.

Of course a lot is being asked of Danis but this is the job. His save after the first goal was world-class but the third goal was brutal.

Howie Rose showed no mercy as if the Islanders were the only team not to draft Zach Parise, he did what he usually does and scored the Devils best play of the night on a powerplay rebound off somewhat of a marginal call.

This was a dismal effort where we saw a team too passive for far too long. Not nearly enough puck possession

Radek Martinek's first point of the season.

Ok, we'll see what happens against Washington.

Dubielewicz claimed by Columbus

Newsday: Greg Logan in the Islanders Newsday blog & Peter Botte/Kristie Eckart in the Daily News report here goaltender Wade Dubielewicz was claimed by the Columbus Blue Jackets on waivers with the goaltender expressing his disappointment.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio reports Peter Mannino is already driving down with Len DiCostanzo heading to Binghampton for tonight's road game.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Hate to say I told you so but when I read three teams were considering Curtis Sanford as he went on waivers, then passed and Dubielewicz signed with the Islanders and needed to go through the same process I expected one of the teams that may have thought of Sanford decided to wait for Dubielewicz.

That's exactly what happened, I'm not surprised. Did anyone else look at the recent injuries and struggles of Sanford last week?

A lot of folks apparently thought Dubie clearing waivers would be a formality, I was not one of them.

Best of luck to Dubie in Columbus who will be in a playoff race where he belongs at least for now.
*********************************************************
To clarify this for those who do not understand or want to blame Garth Snow or call this a mistake Dubie had to go through NHL waivers to rejoin the league. In this instance because the Islanders were doing the signing they had to let him pass through waivers.

If Columbus had signed Dubie he would have to go through NHL waivers and then the Islanders based on standings would have first chance to sign him.

What's next? Columbus may have to put a goalie on waivers for Dubie. A week from now Dubie or another Jackets goalie may be back on waivers.

Than Garth Snow will have first call. Remember Freddy Meyer's journey?

Don't be shocked if Dubie is an Islander again within a few weeks as the Columbus Dispatch goes through the ramifications with their injured goaltender Pascal LeClaire
which includes Wade Dubielewicz and gm Garth Snow's comments here.

Updated:
Tsn.ca: Edmonton-Pittsburgh swapped backup goaltenders involving Danny Sabourin headed to the Oilers in a minor trade, Edmonton gm Steve Tambellini is quoted as saying "I don't plan on bringing him [Sabourin] to Edmonton; either through trade or placement in Springfield, we'll see what happens the next couple days," Tambellini told radio station CHED 630 in Edmonton.

New Jersey at New York 7pm Msg+/+2

Sports Network: Previews tonight's game against the Devils.

Player GP G A PTS +/-
Patrik Elias 44 19 31 50 12
Zach Parise 44 25 25 50 16
Brian Gionta 43 11 27 38 11
Travis Zajac 44 13 21 34 16
J Langenbrunner 43 8 24 32 12
Dainius Zubrus 44 11 17 28 9
David Clarkson 44 8 10 18 0
Johnny Oduya 44 3 13 16 11
John Madden 38 5 8 13 -7
Paul Martin 39 3 9 12 9

Goalies
Player GP W-L-OT S GAA SV%
Scott Clemmensen 27 16-9-2 765 2.40 .918

Only Devil on the injury report at this time is goaltender Martin Brodeur.


NYI Fan Central Comments:
Brendan Shanahan is not expected to play tonight against the Islanders, Kevin Weekes starting against Columbus Friday should mean Scott Clemmensen will be in goal.

Given Mr Jeansonne's article Dibielewicz will not start.

Bergenheim or Sim?

At this point given the standings does anything matter but working as hard as they have recently in both ends of the ice, finishing some plays and staying healthy?

You play hard and continue to develop a team concept. I have been impressed with the work ethic and sooner or later it will pay off with some goals.

Devils as usual are simply a team better than the sum of it's parts that do not get nearly the credit they deserve but this is not the trapping team of the past. Brent Sutter's club can play any kind of game you want whether it be low scoring or a shootout.

They were not great against Columbus from what little I watched.

Their record and success do not lie and Parise when the game is on the line he usually does something to win the game for his club. Elias is finally getting back to the player he was before his hepatitis.

Somewhat surprising this is the Devils first trip to the Coliseum given they have played 2/3 home games against the rest of the division already.

Not sure on a post-game tonight at this time but will have something by the morning.

Poll Update: Rick DiPietro

This weeks poll began before the idea of a Dubielewicz signing (or a MacDonald injury) hit the radar at a point the Islanders returned from the Western Conference trip where Rick DiPietto dressed but did not play and then stopped dressing missing a game in Calgary many thought he would start.

Yann Danis had to be recalled during the trip.

So our poll asked what should be done regarding his health? I voted for what the doctors say with regard to his health, I do not buy into the concept of not playing him simply because some are tired of taking about the issue, one vote recognized he could have the same issues in the summer, a few he should return when he is ready.

With a little over a day remaining the results were mixed but generally agreed the club must do what the doctors think is best or the status quo option:

Whatever the doctors say with regard to his health
17 (40%)

Shut him down for his own well being
10 (23%)

Shut him down for a better shot at a top pick or because I'm tired of reading about it.
11 (26%)

Play him as soon as he is ready
2 (4%)

Shut him down knowing he could have same problems in the summer again
1 (2%)

Status quo-Keep doing what they have been
7 (16%)

Thanks again for the solid voting turnout.

Islander News Articles 1/17

First time the Islanders have played a Saturday game for a while, our little tradition here will be the put NYIFC in third jersey mode on such days.

Newsday: John Jeansonne has Saturday coverage with Wade Dubielewicz first comments heading into the Devils game who won in Columbus 2-1 Friday with Kevin Weekes in goal here.

Brendan Shanahan was not listed on the scoresheet.

Newsday: Anthony Rieber & Jim Baumbach report NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said this week that the Islanders are not looking to relocate but have comments from what they call a person familiar with the planning of their exhibition game in Kansas City as a showcase game as they recap comments from Mr Bettman on his XM radio show on Thursday.

NY Post: Dan Martin has Wade Dubielewicz's comments with head coach Scott Gordon. There is a chance Dubielewicz could start against New Jersey.

NY Post: Mr Martin also had Bill Guerin's comments who felt he and Doug Weight have upheld their part of the bargain and is very disappointed with the seasons results but hope they can contribute together when Weight returns.

NY Times: Dave Caldwell covered Dubie's comments yesterday with some post-Boston quotes from Scott Gordon.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
The Times went to Islander practice, Lynn Zinser went to Chicago? They did not cover these games when they played at Msg.

What are we all missing here?

NYI Fan Central Comments:
We do not even get two articles for games much less a day off from the Post?

AHL.com: Reports Bridgeport lost against Hershey Friday night at Harbor Yard 5-3 dropping them into third place.

1. HER Osala, (19) (Bouchard, Wilson), 2:24 (PP)
1. BRI Iggulden, (17) (Smith, McLean), 7:11
1. BRI Walter, (9) (Smith, Iggulden), 15:43 (PP)
1. HER Perreault, (7) (Bouchard, Osala), 16:28
2. HER Giroux, (30) (Lepisto, Bourque), 15:54 (PP)
3. HER Giroux, (31) (Aucoin, Perreault), 7:34 (PP)
3. BRI Walter, (10) (Lee), 8:50 (PP)
3. HER Bouchard, (12) (Laing, Sloan), 11:20

Nate Lawson allowed five goals on seventeen shots.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio has an full interview with Sound Tigers President Howard Saffan where he makes clear the following regarding Thursday's News and points out attendance is up in Bridgeport this season to fourteenth overall:

"One has nothing to do with the other," Saffan said. "We played a team this year, the Houston Aeros, owned by Minnesota. Proximity, one team versus the other, is fairly irrelevant.

"I'd be kidding you if I didn't say the convenience of Fairfield County to Long Island wasn't important, but at the end of the day, the New York Islanders need a place to develop players in the American Hockey League."

"We've built a good fan base. You can tell by the attendance," Saffan said. "My concern is, working with the Islanders, growing up on Long Island, desperately not wanting to see the Islanders forced off Long Island by politics."

"Charles' vision was to create a development that would be spectacular and draw people to Long Island. That's the premise for the Lighthouse project," Saffan said.

"Over the course of the past 24 months, politicians' timetables and developers' timetables are quite different. Charles continues to lose $20 million a year. (Wang partner) Scott Rechler and Charles are absolutely committed to this project."

"I know Charles many, many years. I've never met a person more committed to Long Island than Charles. The only way the Islanders move, in my opinion, off Long Island is if (town supervisor) Kate Murray and the Town of Hempstead turn down the Lighthouse project in a timely fashion."

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Normally I like to do a summary for everyone but too much for me and I wanted exact wording for you.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio recaps Friday's loss with head coach Jack Capuano and Nate Lawson with in-game blog coverage here and previews Saturday's game in Binghampton here.

Harrisburg Daily News: Covers the Hershey Bears with Patriot News here.

Islanders Heading to Saskatoon for 09-10 Camp

Star Phoenix: Kevin Mitchell and Cory Wolfe report a Monday press-conference has been called at Credit Union Centre, where they’ll announce the Islanders have agreed to hold training camp in Saskatoon Sept. 12-20. The NHL team will also play exhibition games in Saskatoon against the Calgary Flames on Sept. 19 and the Edmonton Oilers on Sept. 20.

The deal — brokered by race-car driver and Toronto businessman John Graham — moves the Islanders out of Moncton, N.B., where they’d held camps the previous two seasons.

Islanders director of communications Seth Sylvan said Friday he cannot comment at this time. Mike Sillinger and prospect Jyri Niemi comment on the upcoming camp.

Included are a Sept. 15 game in Prince Albert between the University of Saskatchewan Huskies’ men’s hockey team and the Islander rookies, an alumni/celebrity golf tournament on Sept. 18 and an Islanders’ autograph session during the Saskatoon Blades’ Sept. 18 home opener against Prince Albert.

Moncton official Ian Fowler comments but has not been informed by the club yet.

The current roster includes three Saskatchewan products: Sillinger, Blake Comeau of Meadow Lake, and Brendan Witt of Humboldt.


NYI Fan Central Comments:
Billy Jaffe said it would be announced next month. Mike Sillinger sounds like a man expecting to return. Even Jyri Niemi comments?

Folks in Moncton have to be very disappointed, they were a great host from all reports the last two years.

Now we know the Islanders are playing the Western Conference clubs which I think is an all-time first. No doubt this was held back or omitted from the Kings game for obvious reasons by Darren Dreger or the club.

Mr Botta's Heimlich Maneuver Saves Mike Francesa

Was listening to WFAN around 3pm and there is Mike Francesa with a copy of Newsday as one man sat on live television/radio and thew about as much guess work and misinformation about a professional sports team than I have seen in a long time.

The man not only put his foot in his mouth but went for the entire shoe store.

On and on about how the Lighthouse is dead and will never be approved in this economic climate, Nassau will never give them all that the money without knowing virtually anything about the project as he sat there and did nothing short of an obituary with the team gone to KC for good.

He never once mentioned Scott Rechler or that that Msg is a dump and even older.

His sources had Charles Wang losing 50m a year owning the club as he quickly waved away any caller who did not agree with him as he put out anything that could stick against the wall including Jonathan Tavares not wanting to play here.

(No I did not attempt a call)

Mr Francesa tried to get Gary Bettman, he tried to get someone from the Islanders.

Finally the man who was shut out last week from information came on and did a good job explaining what was happening with the project and what he felt yesterday's news meant.

Mike Francesa sounded like a man who had no idea about anything when Mr Botta recapped what he knew from his past inside experience including what he told everyone when he contacted some folks around Jonathan Tavares, he did a 180 on virtually everything he was saying afterward.

Charles Wang and the Islanders along with the Lighthouse people owe Mr Botta a big thank you today.

I would guess at some point WFAN will post the interview or Mr Botta will have something on it.

Entertaining watching a man given verbal Heimlich maneuver on live television.

Updated:
WFAN.com: Mr Botta's interview.

Mannino returned to Bridgeport

AHL transactions report Peter Mannino was returned to Bridgeport on Friday.


NYI Fan Central Comments:
Could be a paper transaction for a day (or Garth Snow expects Dubie to clear waivers) but with Bridgeport having three games in three days (no Utah recalls at this time) if Dubie does not clear or does not dress Saturday someone else has to be added.

We saw Bridgeport dress a retired player and a prospect to backup earlier this year.

Quick Hits

* Michael Picker, said he anticipates that state-required environmental studies of the project will be completed in the next 30 to 60 days.


NYI Fan Central Comments:
Despite my blog entry and efforts see how easy it was for the folks from the Lighthouse to give us a time frame about something.

They should have been doing this all along with a detailed list of the survey's done with a complete list of all agencies involved.

No, you do not post updates to stir reaction but to keep folks respectfully informed of the progress and what's happening.

It should be noted Paul Lancey & Mr Picker have been listed in past Islander press releases as being part of the club in different capacities.
*********************************************
Hockey should never suffer for Lighthouse updates in the Newspapers. No excuse for these editors not to provide additional coverage for our fans or force the beatwriter to make one article fit all.

The Islanders can lose every game the rest of the year 15-0, we are entitled to player and coaches comments in every single publication.

ITV had most of the player comments last night.
****************************************************************
For my money I bet anything if the Giants won or the Jets hired a coach the hysteria the Newsday staff created would not have been this bad from a paper with not a lot to write about in terms of sports at this time.

I have read enough things about Charles Wang the past decade that if he wanted to created headlines he absolutely could have.

What happened at best yesterday was the equivalent of throwing a snowball at Nassau County and not one packed with ice.

At the end of the day he and Mr Rechler (who no one talks about) own the Marriot and a big part of whatever happens on the site, Islanders/Lighthouse regardless in the future.

Someone else may own the hockey team ten years from now with Mr Wang/Mr Rechler as the landlord.
****************************************************************
I have my own solution to no Lighthouse to make up for the Smg lease that I do not like but would help the Islanders finances.

Sell naming rights to the Coliseum and the team receives the money.

Bottom line if the Lighhouse does not renovate the Coliseum Nassau County has to pay to upgrade it's building or it goes out of business for all events and related revenue for the County.
****************************************************************
Anyone wonder if the Kings owner could be considering moving his own team to Kansas City and vacating Staples Center, this is the second time the Kings will play there so I would not count on it being a home game.
****************************************************************
Mr Botta got it right on Charles Wang, anyone who thinks he has owned the Islanders for some real estate deal has not payed attention. I have read countless articles of him in Bridgeport taking out players for dinner, from people with business interest about how his mood the next day depends on the game result. He saved Bridgeport a few years ago too.

A bunch of people a few years ago had the same right to bid on the Hub Development, the Mets got involved too and never spent a dime on hockey players.

For folks who think this is about land for Charles Wang and always has been you have not been paying attention.
*****************************************************************
Anyone else note Mr Dreger's Tsn article before the one on the Islander was all about the Coyotes finances where he has the league's quotes they are committed to that market despite the financial problems?

Seems he cleaned out the files here the last few days.

Islander News Articles 1/16:

Newsday: Greg Logan's game recap has head coach Scott Gordon liking the way his team played and credited the forecheck for keeping the shots against down against Yann Danis.

Danis comments and is hopeful of another chance.

Mr Logan reports even though the Islanders have yet to make an official announcement because they still are awaiting more concrete answers from the various specialists Rick DiPietro has visited recently, their agreement to bring back former Isle Wade Dubielewicz is a sure sign that DiPietro is done.

Included is the process involved for bringing back Dubielewicz including his buyout/waivers with his Islander background and connections to Scott Gordon but he is expected to rejoin the Islanders Friday.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
A little jumping the gun from the headline writers at Newsday writing DiPietro's season is over without a team announcement first, apparently they have learned nothing from last season's mistakes and retractions.

I'm not completely sure of the waiver process here but even with the Islanders in 30th it appears the other 29 clubs have a shot to claim him because it's the Islanders doing the signing. Given what I read about interest and a likely waiver claim of Vancouver's Curtis Sanford (he did clear) one of those teams could claim Dubie.

This may not be the formailty many think it is just yet. One of those other teams his agent may have been negotiating with could claim him now that he has a contract.

The Russian buyout is also never done until it's done.

Daily News: Mr Botte has some game covered mixed in with his KC update the AP has more with head coach Scott Gordon's comment here.


NYI Fan Central Comments:
Mr Botte's editor (Leon Carter is still sports editor?) should have permitted space for two articles, this goes beyond the writer and what he can do but is consistent with the decision making process for New York hockey at the Daily News.

I guess we will see a two part prospect preview instead on the three local teams.

What's the expression? Penny wise, pound foolish....

NY Post: Dan Martin's coverage has nothing but a few words on Rick DiPietro and Wade Dubielewicz with general manager Garth Snow's comments on the former beyond reporting who would want them with their current record?

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Anyone think if we had more game coverage more people would be interested? Another editor who does not provide space and does a bad job for hockey fans here. That was uncalled for from Mr Martin give the league leading injury totals again.

NY Times: Dave Caldwell was permitted another trip to the Coliseum Thursday to cover a hockey player. Like the Rangers game last week last week against Montreal the Times instead of game coverage reported on a visiting player in Tim Thomas with a few words from Islander head coach Scott Gordon on his former player.

A few blurbs at the end were thrown in on Wade Dubielewicz.

Boston Globe: Kevin Paul Dupont's coverage had praise of the Islanders play from head coach Claude Julien about how hard they worked but also noted (with the beatwriter) this was one of Boston's worst games.

The beatwriter described the Islanders as long on will, pluck, and effort, but lack the touch to turn their hard work into rewarding goals. Not pluggers, but not Picassos.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Too bad the New York media did not notice, but good analogy.

Boston Herald: Steve Harris coverage also discussed how well the Islanders played.

NHL.com: Chuck Gormley has an excellent feature on Mark Streit being named to the all-star game.

Espn: Pierre Lebrun after an opening dig at Rick DiPietro suggest the goaltender should be shut down for the season and this should place him on the outside for representing team USA at the upcoming Olympics next season with a few words on KC mixed in.


NYI Fan Central Comments:
Apparently the Espn culture is infecting Mr Lebrun which is not a good thing for hockey fans or his journalism.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio's article was on new Sound Tiger Junior Lessard with head coach Jack Capuano's comments.

Bridgeport opens a three game weekend at home with a game against Hershey Friday.


Note:
Sorry about the late coverage today folks, have been under the weather a bit and was all I could do to hang in for a post-game here last night combined with all the extra articles.

Islander News Articles 1/16: Lighthouse Related

I may be the only one but the big news Thurday was Billy Jaffe telling everyone (or making a big mistake on air) training camp will not be in Eastern Canada when it's announced in a few months.

That means goodbye Moncton which means camp could be anywhere, hopefully it means New York at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
******************************************************
The rest of this is a lot of noise to stir up the masses.

By the reaction you would think Mr Wang said he's selling or moving vs one exhibition game next September. I guess that's the idea as the focus goes in so many directions no one can think or remember anything with all the screaming.

Get the earmuffs ready and not just because it's cold outside.
*******************************************************
Newsday: Eden Laiken reports that representatives for team owner Charles Wang said yesterday there's no plan to move the team, which reportedly loses more than $20 million a year as history of the project was done with Lighthouse spokesman Paul Lancey's comments when you're building the next generation of suburbia, it's extensive.

Kate Murray had this which Mr Logan apparent missed:

"We met with the [Lighthouse group] as recently as last week," Hempstead supervisor Kate Murray said yesterday, and "they've expressed no interest in relocating.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
If Mr Wang or the people with him wanted to issue a threat here they apparently did not attempt to by their comments to this point. The comments speak for themselves from the key players.

Newsday: Greg Logan interviews Town of Hempstead supervisor Kate Murray who is not not particularly perturbed or concerned by an announcement of a game in Kansas City and says from the mouth of Mr. Wang that he isn't anywhere close to moving the team as she dismisses comparisons to these circumstances vs Pittsburgh a few years ago because of the scale of this project.

Ms Murray repeats a lot of what she told Newsday in November about offering to expedite a Coliseum renovation as a stand alone project and does not want the Islanders to leave but that will be a business decision by Mr. Wang and his associates that he makes for his own well-being. Lighthouse Development Group president Mike Picker explains their position and what has been done to expedite issues for the Town of Hempstead and is still hopeful of a July 2009 ground-breaking as he gave out some specifics.

General manager Garth Snow for his part described playing in KC as a "hockey operations decision," but it wouldn't happen without Mr Wang's approval and is
encouraged as part of his job to find ways to expand the fan base and describes this as consistent in the way he has scheduled preseason games in the past.

Newsday: Mark Herrmann on this day goes all over the place about how the Islanders should stay in Nassau County, what they mean to the community and what they have done for the Rangers? He does a lot of yelling about the politicians and what they should do about the Coliseum if they do not approve the Lighthouse to keep it viable for someone if Mr Wang does not wish to continue as owner while talking about this season being a poor one (he does not talk about injuries but that no Islanders are youngstars?) and that they cannot afford poor seasons like this as he goes through the litany of past decisions that did not work.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
I guess Mr Herrmann wants the Islanders to sell off the kids via Mike Milbury to get the team winning/mediocre now instead of sticking to the on-ice plan? Who knew the young stars was the barometer for how well a youth movement is going on a team with two hundred sixty man games lost to injury?

That's a lot of ranting by Mr Herrman that goes basically nowhere but in a circle but that's the idea I guess.

Newsday: Katie Strang got a ton of fan reaction for the paper with some more noise that tells no one anything but keeps folks stirred up.

Kansas City Star: Randy Kovitz reports on the game in KC with fan reaction and notes the previous Kings-Blues game from last season and how that was setup.

Newsday: Anthony Rieber has an article
about KC reaction from officials and general reaction.

Daily News: Mr Botte has general manager Garth Snow's comments that he is not worried about perception of a game on KC and maintained the last few years, and even before he became GM, the team always played preseason games in different markets.

Mr Botte includes one person involved with what the Lighthouse project also contends that any potential power play by Mr Wang's business decision to get a nice appearance fee by playing the Los Angeles Kings in Kansas City next in September are not connected.

NY Post: Dan Martin's game coverage is mostly about the Lighthouse and includes most of what Garth Snow told Newsday and the Daily News that a KC game is only about playing a game in another market.

Point Blank: Mr Botta has his take on all this with his game recap.

Boston 2, New York 1

Associated Press: Recaps Boston's 2-1 win against New York on Thursday.


NYI Fan Central Comments:
A lot of folks will only look at the 2-1 final score, some will just call this another loss in a long season that will not be memorable but despite the score it does not do the Islanders any justice for how hard they worked and played in this game, this was a sixty minute effort without reward.

The Islanders took more shots at Boston than any team has this season and for large parts of this game controlled play. In my estimation that was one of their best overall games this season.

The 5-1 loss to Atlanta was not a good effort, this is.

Problem was they could not get a bounce (beyond Guerin's goal) or a rebound/second shot where they could get Tim Thomas moving in his net who made some very good saves.

In terms of physical play, board word, generating odd-man rushed and passing the Islanders did a good job with strong individual efforts from all of their forwards at even strength.

Jackman was hitting, Hunter had some hits and was visible, Tampbellini was getting to the net, came close to scoring a few times and had an excellent game capped by five hits. Comeau did an excellent job on the boards, driving the net and almost finished a few. Okposo had a strong game and put Chara down in the third and broke through for a chance. Bailey created some setups and Nielsen had strong shifts and looked confident with the puck as he did before his injury. Comrie got a pass and just chipped it wide.

Jon Sim had the two best chances of the night who broke in alone twice with Thomas beating him.

On defense Witt had an excellent game diving to block a two on one with big hit early that brought back visions of Malkin a few years ago and he pinched a few times and got the puck on goal. Martinek did a good job, Streit was solid beyond not getting the red-line in the final minute unless that was by design, Boston read that easily and got the icing.

Only downsides I saw was the powerplay (which was keeping this this team in games) has gone cold, did not look sharp with the man advantage and Bruno Gervais did not do a good job on Savard's goal.

That opening minute the Islanders left a Bruin wide open which was the only major breakdown I saw in this one. Danis made his saves but Scott Gordon did not seem thrilled with how his goalie played Savard's goal and seemed to get a little upset during the press conference with the media pressing on the goaltending. The second goal a bounce off the board and a rolling puck to a player with a stick longer than him?

No such thing as luck these days for this team.

Boston is the top team in the Eastern Conference, despite the injuries they played this game with a composure that they could raise their game when needed and let the goalie and team defense earn them their points. Islanders to their credit carried play and should feel good with the effort but not satisfied.

Another game I would like to see a year from now with these kids a year older.

Overall it's a loss that some will not feel is memorable but to me this was an excellent team effort.

I'm going to remember this game.

Dubielewicz signed, MacDonald out 2-4 weeks, DiPietro update later

Newsday: Greg Logan in the Islanders Newsday blog reports according to an NHL source the Islanders have reached an agreement with former goaltender Wade Dubielewicz on a pro-rated contract for the rest of the season of a $500,000 annual salary. A few words on some past background on Scott Gordon-Dubie are included.

Also reported goaltender Joey MacDonald is out two-four weeks according to Islanders head coach Scott Gordon with what the beatwriter calls the high end of that time frame expected.

Mr Logan also reports the club has indicated plans to provide an update later today on the condition of Rick DiPietro but speculates Dubie's signing could mean DiPietro's season may be over.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Horrible news on MacDonald who was fantastic for this club and hid a lot of flaws early with some outstanding play. I have no idea what to expect from Wade Dubielewicz but I suspect he will battle with Yann Danis and not be handed the starters role.

I'm not sure what to expect on DiPietro at this point. MacDonald's injury regardless with about nine weeks left after the break it's most likely all sides want to look out for DiPietro's future.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio in his Sound Tigers blog reports on how Peter Mannino was given the news of his recall on the ice and despite Mr Logan-Botta both reporting it head coach Jack Capuano could not confirm this for the beatwriter who had a few words on injuries/illness for some players at today's practice.

KC: Much to do about nothing

Tsn.ca: Darren Dreger reports the Islanders have agreed in principle with the Los Angeles Kings to play an exhibition game in Kansas City in September with plenty of speculation according to league sources this game could be perceived as a veiled threat of potential relocation if plans for a new arena on Long Island aren't soon finalized.

Mr Dreger makes clear at least twice the Islanders do not plan to move in the near future.


NYI Fan Central Comments:
This is much to do about nothing, the Islanders play preseason games in Moncton, Summerside and even let the Sound Tigers in a modern facility play regular season home games there this year.

Last year the Islanders traveled from Boston to Florida for a game where they have never went in pre-season, they have played preseason games in a lot of AHL facilities.

Kansas City had hosted some NHL pre-season games.

If Charles Wang or his partner Scott Rechler wanted to issue a real threat there are dozens of different ways to go about it, a preseason game would not be one of them.

The Town of Hempstead is not interested in hockey regarding this project. As I have written several times hockey or no hockey Mr Wang-Rechler own the Marriot hotel, Reckson plaza is across the street.

The Islanders (like all teams for a short-time) had neutral site games in the past.

This is more a sign they may not be returning to Moncton this fall for camp if anything but let the hysteria begin for those who need to stir things up to keep warm today.


Updated:
Newsday: Never got a story out faster on reporting Mr Dreger's article.

Newsday: Jim Baumbach (who interviewed Kate Murray)plays the shockjock game bigtime and absolutely calls this a warning from Charles Wang even though Mr Wang is not quoted.

One thing Mr Baumbach did write one thing that rings true, the Islanders are disrespected but he forgot to blame Newsday which is where a big part of where the problem has been.

Boston at New York 7pm Msg+: Mannino recalled

USA Today: Previews tonight's game against the Boston Bruins.

Newsday: Greg Logan in the Islanders Newsday blog reports Peter Mannino has been recalled for tonight's game but this may only be a short-term move.

Point Blank: Mr Botta confirms or announces the recall a few minutes earlier.

Updated Player Pos Injury Expected Return
01/11/09 Andrew Ference D Leg IR. Out until at least mid-January
12/21/08 Patrice Bergeron C Concussion IR. Out indefinitely
01/13/09 Manny Fernandez G Undisclosed Questionable for Jan. 15
01/13/09 Phil Kessel RW Mononucleosis IR. Out until at least mid-February
01/13/09 Milan Lucic LW Undisclosed Questionable for Jan. 15
01/10/09 Marco Sturm LW Knee IR. Out for the season
01/13/09 Aaron Ward D Undisclosed Outfor Jan. 15 at N.Y. Islanders

Player GP G A PTS +/-
Marc Savard 43 14 38 52 29
David Krejci 43 17 31 48 26
Phil Kessel 42 24 17 41 17
Michael Ryder 43 17 15 32 22
Dennis Wideman 42 8 21 29 25
Blake Wheeler 43 13 15 28 28
Milan Lucic 40 11 15 26 16
Zdeno Chara 43 9 16 25 22

Player GP W-L-OT S GAA SV%
Tim Thomas 25 18-4-6 782 2.04 .935
Manny Fernandez 19 14-3-2 527 2.07 .928

Transactions
1/12 Kevin Regan G Sent to minors
1/12 Matt Lashoff D Sent to minors
1/12 Tuukka Rask G Called up from minors
1/12 Martin St. Pierre C Called up from minors
1/12 Kevin Regan G Called up from minors

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Boston comes into this game off a 3-1win against Montreal at home despite their long list of injuries. Their record speaks for itself combined with a very impressive display they put on against the Islanders in Boston where they took a one goal game and just beat the Islanders in every aspect.

Danis, MacDonald, DiPietro, Dubielewicz, Sanford or Bill Smith (who will actually dress for a charity game Thursday notwithstanding) unless the Islanders play some solid team defense and finish some plays here this has the potential to get ugly.

Claude Julien's team never stops working and despite being a coach for several organizations has this Devils trend of getting the most out of his roster regardless who is dressed.

I will add in late changes when/if I can during the afternoon.

Islander News Articles 1/15

Newsday: Greg Logan repeats most of his earlier blog entry on who the backup goaltender will be including head coach Scott Gordon comments but does have a few words from Yann Danis about starting.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Danis played a very even preseason with Joey MacDonald and did not look out of place in any of his starts. For two periods he looked good against Montreal given he had to have some rust on his game and on Tuesday responded well. I expect if he does play for an extended period he will do a solid job in goal.

NY Post: Dan Martin had most of the same comments from Scott Gordon and Yann Danis that appeared in Newsday.

Boston Globe: Fluto Shinzawa reports in the Bruins blog defenseman Aaron Ward, injured against Montreal on Tuesday will not travel to New York and is out. Patrice Bergeron, Milan Lucic, and Andrew Ference will travel. Lucic is the closest of the three and said tomorrow remains a possibility, although he said he is not 100 percent.

Mr Shinzawa reports Lucic has not participated in a full-contact practice with battle drills, and speculates it's doubtful he'll play.

* Goaltender Manny Fernandez will be available tomorrow. According to the Herald, Fernandez has been suffering from back spasms.

* Matt Lashoff, back on emergency recall will be the team's sixth defenseman against the Islanders. Vladimir Sobotka has been recalled from Providence and join the Bruins on this two-game road trip.

Sobotka is taking the place of Martins Karsums, who has been assigned to Providence.

Boston Herald: Steven Harris has Bruins coverage.

The Vanguard: Tina Comeau reports the Legendary Hockey Heroes came to the Yarmouth Mariners Center Tuesday for the Oldtimers' Hockey Challenge which raised over $3,000 for Juniper House with Hockey Hall of Famers Bryan Trottier, Steve Shutt and Billy Smith along with hockey legends Bob Bourne, Cliff Ronning, Gary Leeman and Gord Gallant who defeated the Tri-County Law Enforcement All-Star Hockey Team 11-6.

Daily Gleaner: Bruce Hallihan reports the all-stars meet the Legendary Hockey Heroes at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Aitken Centre. A portion of the proceeds from each ticket will go towards the Brendon Oreto Kids program.


NYI Fan Central Comments:
Anyone else find it absolutely incredible Bill Smith is going back to back, Bryan Trottier who just returned from China and all these legendary Islanders/former players keep going while here not too many players can stay healthy for long?

The Record: Jeff Hicks has an interview with former interim Islander head coach Bill Stewart who talks about wanting to get back into coaching in junior hockey and can once again enter the US after years of working in Europe.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Bill Stewart was banned from entering the United States for twice smuggling a Ukrainian-born player over the Canada-US border in the baggage compartment of the team bus.

AHL.com: Reports Bridgeport lost at Hartford 4-2 Wednesday.

1. BRI Joensuu, (12) (Bentivoglio, Wotton), 2:06
1. HFD Parenteau, (16) (Sanguinetti, Anisimov), 13:13 (PP)
1. HFD Dupont, (9) (Anisimov, Parenteau), 18:26
2. BRI Walter, (8) (Iggulden, Joensuu), 17:11
3. HFD Owens, (7) (Urquhart, Weise), 2:48
3. HFD Pyatt, (8) (Moore, Fahey), 14:22

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio has Bridgeport Sound Tigers coverage of their 4-2 loss in Hartford.

Junior Lessard made his Bridgeport debut on right wing.

Hartford Courant: Has Wolfpack coverage.

Islander-Sound Tiger Notables

Newsday: Greg Logan in the Islanders Newsday blog reports head coach Scott Gordon said he was not in a position to provide updates on the condition of either Joey MacDonald or Rick DiPietro at this time but tells the beatwriter his gameplan is to tell Yann Danis he is going to play against Boston.

Mr Logan also reports Garth Snow has been in contact with Wade Dubielewicz agent since the end of last night's game however no indication yet of an imminent signing at this time as the beatwriter notes Vancouver waived backup goaltender Curtis Sanford (7-7-0, 2.62 GAA, .906 save percentage) but also could be in the process of determining how long MacDonald will be out.

Vancouver Province: Jason Botchford reports the " likeable " Curtis Sanford if he clears waivers after the 9 a.m. (12PM EST) Thursday deadline will be re-assigned to AHL Manitoba.

The recent acquisition of Jason LaBarbera is one reason for today's move by the Canucks with Roberto Luongo readay to return the other.


NYI Fan Central Comments:
Islanders have first claim on all NHL waivers given the standings.

0-2-0, 3.57, .860 in last 3 GPI

Sanford's recent injury problems/game results here which conflict slightly:

Dec 31, 2008: Groin, sidelined indefinitely.
Jan 7, 2009: Missed 3 games (groin).
Dec 31, 2008: Groin, sidelined indefinitely.
Dec 1, 2008: Back injury, day-to-day.

Jul 2, 2008: Re-signed as an unrestricted free agent by the Vancouver Canucks to a one-year contract salary: $650,000.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio in his Sound Tiger blog reports both Peter Mannino and Nate Lawson are in Hartford and expected to dress for tonights game but will have another updated around 6:50pm.

And at 6:50pm on the button another update reporting Peter Mannino will start here with the lineups which includes Kenny Morrow with the team.

Utah Grizzlies: Released emergency backup goaltender Jay Stevens for those wondering if there is a ripple effect.

Quick Hits: The Good, Bad & Ugly

Point Blank: Mr Botta opens with an excellent interview with Blake Comeau where he discusses head coach Scott Gordon and his earlier demotion.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Limited teaser from me, as always go to Point Blank for the personal content Mr Botta worked hard to provide for us.
**************************************************
Forgive me for laughing and not that I care but when Boomer Esiason came to the Jets I know I read some things about how he grew up an Islanders fan. Nothing like giving someone a show on Msg to make them say anything.

Whatever.
**************************************************
Newsday: Mike Casey in Mark Herrmann's infrequently used Newsday hockey blog wonders why the Islanders cannot produce similar efforts against other Atlantic Division teams as they do against the Rangers and writes his impression of Scott Gordon is that he's a pretty gutsy guy (after a dig at Steve Stirling and Ted Nolan) but should have his team playing as hard against teams like New Jersey, Philly and Pittsburgh as they do against the Rangers citing their 0-7-1 record against the rest of Atlantic.

He goes on to write there are a million excuses why the Islanders rise to occasion against team Cablevision but not other opponents or has no good reasons for the losses and feels the Islander coach needs to find a way to tap into his team's psyche and make sure that effort level carries over into the Boston, Washington and New Jersey contests in the next five days.


NYI Fan Central Comments:
Did Mike Casey really write this with a straight face or is he really that misinformed?

Let's not even touch last years Islanders opened 9-0 against the Rangers and Devils winning both season series and won three of five against Pittsburgh with the Simon 2-1 stomp game, a fifty save loss, the Witt redirection goal in the final two minutes deciding another and if I recall a Georges Laraque goal deciding another contest here.

Steve Stirling led a decimated Islander team in 03-04 to a playoff spot, Mr Casey just for reference also.


2008-09 Islanders:
Lost opening night in Newark 2-1
Lost in overtime in Philadelphia 3-2 on a powerplay against.
Lost 3-1 against Philadelphia where the Flyers score an open net goal after a shorthanded goal. MacDonald gave up a softie to open the scoring.
Lost 4-3 in a shootout against Pittsburgh at home in a game they were leading.
Lost 5-2 against Kevin Weekes in Newark.
Lost 5-3 against Pittsburgh at home with a three goal third period lead.
(if I recall Pens had an open net goal also)
Lost 4-3 in Philadelphia.
Lost 9-2 in Pittsburgh.

260+ man games lost to injury.

So the Islanders had a good or better chance to win six of eight games against other Atlantic teams but according to Mike Casey they do not put in the same effort against other Atlantic clubs and are not as competitive?

Scary part is folks read that stuff and actually believe it.

I did enough articles here on the recent road trip where some media in Phoenix, San Jose, Edmonton and Calgary pointed out how competitive the Islanders played.

This is simply shoddy work and not fair to Scott Gordon, his players or the fans and suggests Mike Casey only watches Islanders-Rangers which is his choice but does not give him the right to print outright misconceptions.

Garth Snow's Interview on Msg+

General manager Garth Snow was interviewed by Billy Jaffe prior to last night's game which I recorded.

To this point Msg did not release this for viewing and it may not be released on ITV for a while (if at all) so I thought I would provide somewhat of a summary and quote directly what I thought was the key question.

If the interview is posted at a future date I will put it on the blog sidebar.

To summarize briefly General Manager Garth Snow praised his prospects and felt they have exceeded expectations to this point but did not go into much detail about any one player specifically. He also praised Mark Streit and Doug Weight for what they have done with the emphasis on Streit's defensive play. The gm discussed Rick DiPietro's health and said even though he has been cleared to play he has been held back for his best interest long-term where in the past he may have played.

The general manager made it clear in his first comment on DiPietro he is not a doctor.

The key part for me was when the coaches job performance was brought up and I wanted to put his answer in quotes for our blog readers at this time.

How satisfied have you been with your rookie coach Scott Gordon and his performance this year?

" He's done a great job, especially with our younger players, he deserves a lot of the credit for that as well as our veterans in the lockeroom have helped the Kyle Okposo's the Josh Bailey's & Frans Nielsen's right on down the line. Our younger players adapt to the NHL. When we first hired Scott to be the coach of this organization the mindset was to bring in a coach who's gonna to help develop our younger players. "


NYI Fan Central Comments:
Billy Jaffe for his part did not press the gm on the coaches system allowing more shots/defensive breakdowns or Brendan Witt's earlier comments and had a few too many softballs here (he pressed the gm to explain about DiPietro for the fans benefit) as I heard too much about silver linings when going into this season the gm said if the young players continue to progress as they did at the end of last year they would be fine in terms of scoring lost.

This was not the case with injuries being a key factor to Nielsen, Okposo and Comeau winding up in Bridgeport which absolutely seemed a mistake by Scott Gordon. I have seen virtually nothing different than I saw a year ago from Comeau.

Jeff Tambellini's two recent goals notwithstanding has been a failure given his age, fair or not some of this has to go on the coach along with Scott Gordon earlier shifting Kyle Okposo to left wing which he was honest enough to admit may have been a mistake.

I would speculate unless something changes Scott Gordon will return as head coach if that's what he wants.

Islander News Articles 1/14

Newsday: Greg Logan's article reports Islander general manager Garth Snow has held exploratory talks with the agent for former goaltender Wade Dubielewicz. Mr Logan speculates a decision is believed to be imminent to shut down Rick DiPietro as he recaps his season with the goaltenders comments from a few days ago.

Also reported the league did give the Islanders permission to sign Mike Dunham during the game if he was needed as a spare goalie in the event of an injury to Yann Danis.

Newsday: Greg Logan in the pregame (before Joey MacDonald's injury) reports in the Islanders Newday blog the Islanders are one of three clubs speaking to Wade Dubielewicz about a possible return with his agents comments which include no bridges were burned.

Mr Logan indicates Dubie would have to be signed to a one-way deal which would mean (pre-MacDonald injury) that Rick DiPietro's season is likely over.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
One thing for sure, with only four more games until February (given long break) it's starting to look like it's over for DiPietro if he is visiting more doctors.

Dubie did what Garth Snow and a lot of players have done, gone to Russia and left during the season. He was bought out while a home grown product (Stanislav Galimov) beat him out for a spot with prospect Kirill Petrov's Russian team. His numbers were not good in the KHL and it looks like the prospect goaltender outplayed him given the stats for the team here with both goaltenders playing twenty one games. If he has options with three other teams would he sign here to showcase himself for a few months knowing it's DiPietro's job when he is finally ready?

One thing for sure is with the injury to MacDonald he would see his share of work but I'm not sure Yann Danis is going to be moved out so easily. Bottom line is Garth Snow needs some depth at the goaltenders spot unless the gm wants to bring up Nate Lawson or Peter Mannino.

Either way Dubie is a short-term option here unless his agents receives two years from Garth Snow (doubtful) which could mean the end for MacDonald and a reversal of what happened when MacDonald received a one way contract. If Dubie signs he may need a conditioning stint of his own.

In my estimation this is about familiarity for both sides where both seem to need the other. Two NHL teams besides the Islanders are interested in Dubie playing at this level?

I'm not buying that so quickly given how did not sign with an NHL team last summer.

Having written all this exploratory talks are just that.

Newsday: Steve Zipay had Ranger centric game coverage or a combined game summary which included nothing from the New York Islanders in terms of comments which is a terrible job by Newsday considering how the Islander prospects outworked the Rangers for big parts of this game and there should be equal quotes from both sides in a combined article.

Newsday: Mark Herrmann's article gives a lot of fair reasons why the team should shut down Rick DiPietro for the season and has head coach Scott Gordon's comments on what would have happened if Yann Danis did not finish in goal while Bill Guerin comments on what Mike Dumham was doing to get ready.


NYI Fan Central Comments:
Not for anything but I did hear Richard Park mentioned as the emergency goaltender a few times. It's something that is so rare with both goaltenders getting injured that it virtually never enters the radar.

Given some or Mr Herrmann's recent work he was very fair with this aritcle and did not look to beat on a player who has only tried to return to help his team even if it has not worked out.

Point Blank: Mr Botta for his part had more information about how the Islanders played and the game than all of the writers which indicates a terrible job by the media telling the Islanders game story which should never be secondary to off-ice events.

Mr Logan for his part is making his pre-game blog his second story for the print edition more and more. Sometimes that's necessary like with a story like Dubie & DiPietro, others not so much. This is why more blog entries are required but he was honest enough with the readers to question himself on whether he did enough for Weight, Bailey recently so we'll see how things go in that department.

NY Post: Dan Martin's game coverage was mostly on the injury to Joey MacDonald and the litany of injuries to the Islanders with comments from Bill Guerin and head coach Scott Gordon.

NY Post: Larry Brooks did not credit the Islanders for basically outplaying the Rangers in his article, instead telling us what we already know about the Rangers trap and their defensive system.

Daily News: Michael Obernauer who is the Ranger beatwriter had head coach Scott Gordon's comments in what is somewhat of a combined article that did not receive much space but points out the Islanders took 18 of the last 19 shots of the first period.

Daily News: Peter Botte's article was on the ramifications of Mike Dunham dressing with head coach Scott Gordon's comments along with more on DiPietro. A few words on Dubielewicz are also are included.

The NY Times did not send a writer to either Msg game to report on Islanders-Rangers but Lynn Zinser does a Ranger centric story for tonight's game here.

Journal News: Had Sam Weinman's Ranger centric coverage.


NYI Fan Central Comments:
NY Times is very strange in their coverage of New York hockey. No other word can be applied for a paper that puts more time and space in the KHL and Europe than all three local teams.

Their Islander feeder pulls out three week old game results and is useless, where have you gone George Vecsey? Former beatwriter Dave Caldwell comes out to do a rip job on the club and nothing else since camp?

The Canadians go to Msg and one paragraph is done on the game so a feature can be done on a Habs player? This SI format they keep forcing has been an abject failure and is the MsgNY of hockey reporting which deserves the sack like that program.

Calgary Herald: John Garrett has a few words on the all-star selection process praising the selection of Mark Sreit.

Ct Post: Michael Fornabaio has head coach Jack Capuano's comments on the acquisition of right winger Junior Lessard who the beatwriter describes as a player with a reputation for a scoring touch to go with an all-around game and what this adds to a mix with fifteen healthy forwards?

The Sound Tiger coach also praised Brett Skinner for his play and described his final words with the defenseman upon learning of the trade.

Bridgeport travels to Hartford for a Wednesday game at 7pm.

Note-The Chicago Sun Times and the other publication that covers the Wolves did not have anything beyond AP regarding the trade.

Rangers 2, New York 1

AP: Recaps the Rangers 2-1 win against the Islanders Tuesday night.


NYI Fan Central Comments:
AP notes the Islanders are 1-9-2 against the Rangers which is a mistake with the spin depending on where you set a starting point at worst can now be only 1-6-2.

Regarding the game for the 2008-09 New York Islanders it just goes from bad to worse in the injury department. The fun now really begins if Joey MacDonald is out for any length of time with a groin injury.

Yann Danis gave them a excellent game coming in cold and had no chance on the second goal. The Islanders for their part did a good job but you cannot give up those kinds of goals to a team that is not much better at finishing than the Islanders. How many times does Tom Renney do his Ted Nolan imitation and tell everyone we cannot beat teams playing for high scoring games, it's all about defense.

I would like to see this game a year from now with another season under these kids belts and with a few veterans who can finish. I think the Islander prospects would have broken through the Ranger trap and scored a few goals and forced the Rangers to change their strategy. Bailey was great on the faceoffs, the Islanders worked hard to generate chances but like many games against the Ranger trap they cannot break through with that big chance.

Scrambles, angle shots, too many missed shots but not enough bounces on this day for another goal were the difference. Refs let both teams play and the Islanders for a team with few bangers got in their hits. Jackman did has part well, so did Hunter.

Campoli gives with his goal and gives right back with his play up the wall for the tying goal against. Credit the Ranger for picking a high attempt off the wall but it was obvious he read what Campoli was going to do. Witt for his part tried to play a little offense at times tonight but his spacing on the 2-1 goal considering the distance between players and the angle was not good. It's been that kind of season for Witt.

Considering how many shorthanded goals the Rangers allow the Islanders went for it, Gervais was the defender caught but there was a lot of time for the Islanders to make a play for another goal.

After the first few minutes the Islanders settled in and not only carried play but dominated. The Rangers are simply not that good a team themselves these days and unless they are playing defense like this they will struggle. Too bad the Islanders did not force a mistake from their defense or take a high shot on Lundqvist who is prone to soft goals at times and was sloppy in this one with his rebounds.

I would like to see what this effort does to the scoreboard a year from now as more of these kids find the confidence to finish. I think if the man-games lost to injury were even we absolutely would have seen a different result here.

Given all that's working against this team, they gave all they had tonight. Now they have to do it every game which was saw signs of on the road trip against at times.

Unless they carry it into the Boston game on Thursday it means nothing.

Rangers at New York 7pm Msg+

I found it kind of interesting Jim Cerney who used to call games for the Islanders now writes pregame articles on the Ranger website so I posted their preview here.

They had no problem getting the coaches comments/players available for the fans on video.

No excuse for the Islanders not doing the same for our fans.

Outside of Naslund missing practice the Rangers come in with no reported injuries which tells most of the story of this season for both teams. One team has less than ten man games lost to injury, the other two hundred sixty plus.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
A lot of things working against the Islanders tonight.

Injuries, disparity in records against the opposition, the recent losing streak and a team that lives and dies by it's trap with the home ice disadvantage a big factor against with bypartisin crowds in both buildings. The breakdowns by the Islanders on defense have been damaging and show no sign of letting up.

Islanders whenever they get a few days off come out and have played with a lot of rust and are coming off a long trip.

Can Scott Gordon's skaters create quality chances and force the Ranger defense and goaltender to make mistakes or will it be an early Ranger lead followed by lockdown mode with shots but few quality chances? Lundqvist despite his two recent shutouts has given up a lot of goals when Tom Renney's trap fails in front of him and lets up more than his share of softies. For the Islanders defense that has Martinek back but lost Meyer can they tighten up, cut down the turnover and protect Joey MacDonald better?

The Ranger powerplay looks a lot like last year's Islander powerplay in how many shorthanded goals they surrender, no doubt Richard Park and the Islanders will be going for it shorthanded.

Chess-hockey against Tom Renney is not very entertaining and demands a lot of patience but this is how he demands his club plays. They take few shortcuts and give the younger players their minutes and have strong survival skills in games to secure that regulation point.

For me this is just another game and will not be memorable in a lost season when it's over regardless of what happens unless one of the kids delivers a hat-trick or something along those lines.

All the Islanders are working toward is the lottery, no one game can change the standings.

Updated:
Not game related but Mr Logan in the Islanders Newday blog reports Rick DiPietro is seeking second opinions with the recent swelling in his kneehere.

Andy Sutton has to have additional surgery and is expected to miss an additional eight-ten weeks.

Atlanta Thrashers.com: Reports the Islanders traded defenseman Brett Skinner to the Atlanta Thrashers in exchange forward Junior Lessard.

Lessard (leh-SAHR) has played in 41 games with the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League this season, recording six goals and five assists for 11 points. The 28-year-old Quebec native has played in 27 career NHL games with Dallas and Tampa Bay, scoring three goals and adding one assist for four points during parts of three seasons. Lessard has also played in 298 career AHL games, recording 86 goals and 92 assists for 178 points in five seasons.

NYI Fan Central Comments:
Don't read a lot into this an a possible NHL trade, Okposo, Hunter and Jackman seemed locked in on right wing and Guerin has a NTC. At best Iggulden gets a callup for Jackman for a few games at some point. Skinner did a nice job here earlier at a time the Islanders were winning/competitive but with the competitive part of the playoff chase out of reach if someone is recalled there is a big mix of veterans and prospects.

Best of luck to Brett Skinner.

AHL.com reported Yann Danis was recalled to backup Joey MacDonald.

ITV finally had some comments from the coach and players today which I put on the sidebar. Scott Gordon had a little fun when Howie Rose asked a question by saying who's the new guy which cracked up everyone.